Tag: mountain

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Celebrating Autumn at Table Rock Mountain South Carolina

Table Rock Mountain glowing in the autumn light. © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

As the season begins to change, the mountain becomes the perfect backdrop for everything we love about fall. The air turns crisp and cool, the leaves begin to loosen from the trees, and before long they are dancing through the breeze and covering the ground in shades of gold, orange, and red.

Even the sky seems to join in the celebration. During this time of year, we often see beautiful shades of pink, orange, purple, and yellow stretching across the evening sky. With Table Rock rising in the distance, those colors make the whole landscape feel almost dreamlike.

This video is a celebration of the season… a quiet moment to enjoy the mountain, the changing leaves, the autumn light, and that wonderful feeling that arrives when summer finally begins to let go.

One of my favorite things about living near Table Rock is watching the landscape change throughout the year. Every season has its own beauty, but autumn always feels a little extra special. There is something comforting about putting on a sweater, stepping outside into the cooler air, hearing leaves rustling underfoot, and watching nature slowly settle into a new season.

Table Rock Mountain dressed in brilliant autumn colors. © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

Enjoy a few peaceful moments of autumn at Table Rock Mountain with us here at The Comfy Cabin.

Autumn sunset over Table Rock Mountain. © The Comfy Cabin, 2026
Magical Autumn at Table Rock Mountain. © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

Happy autumn, friends! 🍂

Debra Roinestad
Debra Roinestad © The Comfy Cabin

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A Black Bear’s September Grocery List: What Bears Eat in Fall

Since autumn is only a few weeks away and cooler weather is around the corner, I decided to devote a blog post to black bears and their eating habits during the changing season.

While we’re starting to think about apples, pumpkin spice, and all those cozy fall foods, the black bears wandering past our trail cameras have something else on their minds—eating… lots of eating during their hyperphagia phase (an unusually strong increase in appetite)! Apparently, black bears have their own grocery list!

🛒 And What’s in the cart?

🌰 Acorns & nuts — Fall’s high-calorie favorite.

🫐 Berries & wild fruit — Whatever late-summer treats are still hanging around.

🐜 Insects — A little extra protein never hurts.

🌿 Plants & greens — Bears aren’t skipping the produce aisle!

🍎 Seasonal fruit — If nature is serving it, a bear may be interested.

Our trail cameras have been catching bears quietly wandering through the woods behind the cabin, sometimes after dark. I like to imagine they’re checking the aisles to see what September has stocked overnight.

Now watch the real bears

What Bears Eat in the Fall. By Debra Roinestad © The Comfy Cabin, 2026.
Billings Gazette- Bears Hyperphagia Period

And as fall gets closer, finding food becomes serious business for our furry neighbors.

So if you hear a rustle in the woods this September, somebody might just be out grocery shopping—with a shopping cart in tow. 🐻🛒🍂

Note: As always, we admire our bears from a safe distance and never intentionally feed them. Wild bears belong wild.

Warm Regards,
Debra

Debra Roinestad

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Table Rock Mountain After the Winter Storm of 2026

Snow on Table Rock Mountain. (c) Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin, 2026.

The snow came in quietly, the way it always does here.

No drama at first—just a hush settling over the mountain, softening edges, slowing everything down.

Table Rock didn’t disappear in the storm.

It revealed itself.

Water froze mid-movement, turning the granite face into long white ribbons, like frozen waterfalls paused in time. Snow dusted the ridge line, clinging to bare trees that know this season well. The mountain stood still, patient, carrying winter the way it always has.

This gallery is a collection of those moments—after the storm passed, when the light returned, and the cold weather stayed. It’s when silence felt heavier than sound.

Snowstorm in the woods. All photos (c) Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin, 2026.
Snow In Upstate South Carolina.

Afternoon clouds drifted up the face of Table Rock Mountain, Gentle & Slow.

After the snowstorm…close-up of Table Rock Mountain

After the snowstorm…close-up of snow and ice resting on Table Rock Mountain. (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2026

“The trees at the top stand stripped and honest.
No leaves to hide behind. Just strength, roots, and time.”

“What endures doesn’t need decoration.”

“Stillness has layers. Winter shows them all.”

Winter storms don’t rush Table Rock.

They pass through, leave their mark, and move on.

The mountain remains—steady, scarred, beautiful in ways that only show up when things slow down enough to notice.

Debra Roinestad

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3 Reasons to Visit Caesars Head, S.C.

Photo by Debra Roinestad, Caesars Head Overlook (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Thirsty for some adventure? Then take the higher ground! Get your thrills quenched at Caesars Head State Park. Caesars Head is a mountain within Caesars Head State Park in northern Greenville County, South Carolina. The Summit has an elevation of 3,215 feet. The trail is well maintained and about 14 miles from Greenville S.C. 

Video: Caesars Head Overlook by Fradella Hikes

Caesars Head got its name because there are a series of steep steps that lead down a narrow passageway between two massive rocks.

Photo by Kurt Roinestad (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Photo by Kurt Roinestad (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Many have said that it is called Caesar’s head because the rocks resemble the profile of Julius Caesar. I agree…lol. 😅

Photo by Ilona Frey, Julius Caesar (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Here are 3 Reasons to Visit Caesars Head at Caesars Head State Park

Photo by Debra Roinestad, Caesars Head Overlook (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Easy Hiking 

Photo by Jon Flobrant

This is the perfect place for beginners and families. You can stop by the overlook to get fantastic views. Then if you are up for the challenge, there are moderate to strenuous hikes. The mountain bridge wilderness links to Caesars Head and Jones Gap State Parks.

Bird Watching

Photo by Richard Lee (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

From September through November thousands of migrating raptors soar upwards and hang around the rocky outcrop to conserve their energy as they migrate to their winter ranges.

Gifts, Gifts, Gifts!

Photo by Caley Dimmock (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Due to the large volume of visitors arriving daily, the Visitors’ Center makes sure they have a very large stock of items for sale. So, before or after your hike, visit their lovely gift shop. They have jewelry, coffee mugs, books, hiking equipment, and T-shirts. They sell fun items for dogs too.

So, consider adding this exciting destination to the top of your list when visiting South Carolina.

They are open Monday-Friday, 9 am – 6 pm

Warm Wishes,
Debra Roinestad 🌿

Debra Roinestad (c) The Comfy Cabin

Address: 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635

Information:

➡️ South Carolina State Parks
https://southcarolinaparks.com/caesars-head

➡️ Map
https://mapcarta.com/21491718

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Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve, S.C.

Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve, (c) Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Debra Roinestad, Blogger.
(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

On Sunday, I enjoyed a short and soul-cleansing hike at Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve. The area has a high vibration and calmness that clears away any stress. The trail is an easy hike about a 0.4 mile lightly trafficked loop located near Cleveland, South Carolina on Persimmon Ridge Road. The trail is used for hiking, walking, bird watching. Dogs are allowed on the trail too. What is magical about this place is that you can get to the top of the Blue Ridge cliff and have a wonderful view looking South into Northern Carolina.

Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Blue Ridge Cliff, Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve, (c) Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Trees, Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve. (c) Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Moss shaped like a foot-print. (c) Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin, 2022


Credit: Map from SC Trails Program

Eva Russell Chandler is home to several rare plant species including Grass-of-Parnassus, Indian paintbrush, and Divided-Leaf Groundsel. I found another rare species not yet identified on this trail, ‘Dimple Trout Lily’. More information on Dimple Trout Lily is in this link.

Dimple Trout Lily. (c) Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Here is more information from a fellow blogger, Mark’s Photo Travel in this link.

I would put this on my visit list for anyone here in South Carolina or just visiting!

➡️ Address: Persimmon Ridge Rd, Cleveland, SC 29635
It is located about 7 miles from the entrance where Persimmon Ridge Rd connects to 276 highway. Once up drive up a hill, there is a large sign that clearly marks the preserve.

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Why Visit Table Rock Sate Park SC

One of the many reasons I like to visit Table Rock State Park is that I can visit the funky mallard duck that swims by each day. But seriously, it’s one of the best places to go and chill during the week or weekend. The visitors center has an adorable shop and lovely sales on hoodies, blankets, hats, and home decor.

Mallard Duck, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Dock, Table Rock State Park, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Then there’s a dock where you can admire a closer view of Table Rock Mountain. That’s where I met my funky duck friend. Watch him on youtube here. Also, you can rent paddle boats or canoes during the summer months.

Table Rock State Park, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Table Rock State Park, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

This place is magical. If you are visiting South Carolina, stop by to refresh and renew.

For information click on this link.

Kind Regards,
Debra & Kurt

Debra & Kurt (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
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Trail Camera- Coyote with a Paper Plate

This one is my favorites. I had mentioned in a previous post how much I adore the coyotes I hear at night. See post here.

Well, I guess it’s lunchtime!

(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

A coyote’s keen senses help them survive. With eyes that can spot the smallest movement, ears that can hear the faintest rustle, and legs designed for racing.
—Diane Swanson

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Winter Snowstorm in the Woods of South Carolina

Hello Friends,
I promised some pictures of the snowstorm from last week. I lost power and internet for two days. Trees are down because of the heavy weight of the snow. Overall, the beauty and serenity of the snow made up for the chaos.
Love and Blessings,
Debra Roinestad

Snowstorm in the woods. (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Snowstorm in the woods. (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Footprints in the Snow. (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Heavy snow on the Pine Trees, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Table Rock Mountain with Snow. (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Snow and Clouds over Table Rock Mountain, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Stopping by The Woods by Robert Frost

Debra Roinestad